Not withstanding my point above, that you're not really simulating the output from the PIC unless you drive the signal not only to 5Volts but actually pull it to 0Volts when it's supposed to be off.
Otherwise, it's now worthy of a place in a text book.
The normal FET (IRL2203) can handle upto 116Amps, where as the logic FET I have suggested (RFD14N05L-ND) will only handle up to 14Amps.
I'm sure there are better logic FET's out there somewhere, but I'm yet to do a project where I need more than 6Amps (I got to 5.5Amps controlling a DC motor), let alone 14! or 116!!
So yeah, if external component count is not your thing, than go with a logic FET, or else pull out those transistors!
What I did find interesting was the ten posts following your inclusion of a circuit schematic for the totempole driver.
They debated the merits of a resistor between the PIC and the transistor bases but no one picked up on the fact that it just plain didn't function as you intended; that is to drive the MOSFET gate to the 12 volt supply.
Also worth looking at are MOSFET driver IC's designed for the job. If you're interested have a look at the datasheet for an IR2104, half-bridge driver.
Would the 568-2345-1-ND at 100A 30V be good for driving directly from a pic? It's a little more pricey at a whole $2.00
It says it's a logic level FET but I can't really tell from the specs.
Would the 568-2345-1-ND at 100A 30V be good for driving directly from a pic? It's a little more pricey at a whole $2.00
It says it's a logic level FET but I can't really tell from the specs.